Ceramics bosses are calling on the government to recognise the industry’s “indispensable” role.
Industry leaders, MPs, ministers and government department representatives gathered in Parliament last week for an event marking the brand launch of trade organisation Ceramics UK, formerly the British Ceramic Confederation.
Rob Flello, CEO of Ceramics UK, said: “The UK ceramic industry has been hidden in plain sight, quietly making the products on which we all depend on – including quietly saving lives through medical devices and critical equipment.”
He said ceramics firms contribute over £1 billion to the UK economy every year.
During the event, there were items on display to showcase the depth and breadth of the sector such as ceramic water filters from Doulton and Mantec and miniature sanitaryware from Ideal Standard. Those in attendance were also presented with celebratory brick slips from Ketley Brick, which had been specially designed to commemorate the brand launch.
Ceramics UK, headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, represents 90 per cent of the UK’s ceramic manufacturers and suppliers, with approximately 75 per cent being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Rob added: “Our new name will help key policy makers better understand that the UK ceramics industry is essential and encompasses businesses across the whole of the nation.”
Ceramics UK President Alan McLelland said: “This is an exciting new chapter for the only UK trade organisation representing the UK ceramic industry.
“It is important that government and wider society understands how fundamental the UK ceramics industry is to all aspects of our lives.”
